The Stream

Unwanted: Myanmar’s Rohingya Muslims

Thousands flee to escape poverty and persecution.

Thousands of Rohingya adrift in the Andaman Sea with limited access to food and water may soon have shelter, at least temporarily. After weeks of turning away unseaworthy boats packed with migrants, Malaysia and Indonesia have now committed to providing immediate humanitarian aid and shelter for one year. Until recently governments have been reluctant to help, fearing a flood of refugees. Myanmar does not recognise the Rohingya and refutes accusations that their treatment of the ethnic minority is to blame for the crisis. Rohingya Muslims are considered one of the world’s most persecuted people by the UN. How should regional governments and the international community respond to this ongoing crisis? Join us at 1930GMT.

On this episode of The Stream, we speak to:

Zaw Naing @Zw_Naing
Rohingya activist in exile

Shwe Maung @ShweMaung_MP
Member of Parliament, Buthidaung Constituency, Rakhine State

Charles Santiago @mpklang
Malaysian Member of Parliament
charlessantiago.org

Matthew Smith @matthewfsmith
Executive Director, Fortify Rights